The Buffalo Bills deadened the hopes of an AFC East playoff race by denying the Miami Dolphins their first peek at a winning record this year.
The Bills bopped the Dolphins 31-14 in Ralph Wilson Stadium. The game was tight for the first 55 minutes, and the Bills didn't hold a lead until there were about 3 1/2 to play. That's when everything unraveled for the defending AFC East champs.
The Dolphins opened the season 0-3 and were mounting a charge -- however improbable -- to challenge the New England Patriots and maybe get into the wild-card discussion. A victory over the Bills would have given them a 6-5 record and perhaps put them within a game of the Patriots if they were to lose Monday night in the Superdome.
Miami looked like it would keep its momentum going early. Ricky Williams had another strong afternoon, and the offense seemed to be steadily crushing Buffalo in interim coach Perry Fewell's home debut.
But the Bills hung tough, and the game's momentum swung -- on of all things -- a Brian Moorman punt that pinned the Dolphins just outside their own goal line late in the fourth quarter. The Bills forced a three-and-out, and Rian Lindell gave them their first lead with a 56-yard field goal.
In a moment that often lays the foundation for a young quarterback's future, Chad Henne had plenty of time to drive the Dolphins into position to at least tie the game. Instead, he threw the first of three interceptions inside the final three minutes.
One play later, Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick connected with Terrell Owens on a bomb for the second straight week. This one went for 51 yards. Owens finished with five receptions for 96 yards, and you better believe he's loving Fitzpatrick as Buffalo's starter.
Bills running back Fred Jackson carried 15 times for 73 yards and two touchdowns.
Williams rushed for 115 yards and a touchdown, giving him three straight 100-yard games for the first time since 2003 with the New Orleans Saints. Williams also threw a Wildcat interception on first-and-goal to end the Dolphins' opening drive.